Hriday, Sarita and Ravi Patel during their first day in command of Superette Foods, a longstanding and valued Nanaimo grocery store. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Superette Foods

‘I think our wish has come true:’ Beloved Nanaimo grocery store remains open under new ownership

Nov 15, 2024 | 5:42 PM

NANAIMO — New arrivals to the Harbour City vow to carry on the tradition of a popular grocery store operating on the edge of Nanaimo’s downtown for decades.

The Patel family, originally from New Dehli, India, were handed the keys to independent grocer Superette Foods on Friday, Nov. 15 on Albert at Milton Streets.

With an uncertain future following a decision by former longtime owner Garry Negrin to sell the property earlier this year, the next owners were just a ferry ride away.

Already with a history of reviving a struggling convenience store in Delta, Ravi Patel his wife and son researched Nanaimo, visited the city several times and decided to purchase the pillar of Nanaimo’s upper Albert St. area.

Nanaimo just felt like the right community and time for the Patels, who looked into business opportunities throughout western Canada and portions of the United States.

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“Me and my wife and son all decided let’s find something here. She had a look on the listing and she said, ‘let’s go have a look.'”

Fully aware of social disorder challenges in the neighbourhood, Ravi said their family navigated similar issues at their prior store.

He believes in relationship building.

“If you’re treating them nicely, I don’t think it’s a challenge, it’s community health.”

Ravi said they will rely on existing staff and their customers to help guide adjustments in the coming weeks and months, noting additional inventory beyond existing grocery mainstays will be offered.

“In fact, we’re not after raising prices, but we’re after making more volumes so that we can also make money, and they can also get served.”

He hopes to obtain a license from the B.C. Lottery Corporation to begin selling lotto tickets shortly.

Ravi said he’s encouraged by residential growth in Nanaimo’s downtown core and by the strong brand awareness Superette Foods has in the local area.

The future of Superette Foods is more certain following a recent purchase. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Expanding on the gratitude she has for Canadians for welcoming their family to the country several years ago, Sarita Patel said they are committed to giving back.

She said their family looks forward to having a visible in-store presence and taking pride in operating a professional, clean and proud business.

“We serve [the] community, this is our wish and I think our wish has come true,” said Sarita with a warm smile.

The Patels received continuous support from the local shopping community when word began to leak that a new buyer was in place and the store would remain open.

Some customers personally thanked them on Friday for maintaining the store, which has long been valued by the local community, in particular lower-income earners and area residents with mobility issues.

Kennedy St. resident Penny MacMillan appreciates the customer service, prices and “old fashioned shopping experience” Superette Foods is known for.

She was elated to hear the Patels are committed to nurturing the store for years to come.

“It’s really important to us,” MacMillan told NanaimoNewsNOW. “I’m really happy that somebody’s bought it and wants to continue running it as is.”

Superette Foods operated at the Albert St. location under its prior owner for more than 40 years.

Located in the old Malpass building which includes an upstairs living suite, the location served as a general store dating back to the early 1900’s.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW